A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Case Managers' Perception of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Management Model
A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Case Managers' Perception of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Management Model
Author:
Rafael Maldonado
Program of study:
D.M.
Abstract:
This hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experience of frontline case managers’ decisions under guidelines developed by senior leaders in the health care industry as related to the communication about the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA). The selection process relied on sequential sampling as a means for choosing 10 participants for in-depth interviews. Nvivo© software managed the interview documents and aided in creating coded transcripts. Through network creations, four themes emerge: (a) the knowledge and understanding about the PPACA, (b) the roles and responsibilities towards the PPACA, (c) the feelings about being part of the decision-making process, and (d) characteristics of effective leaders. The results indicate that optimal management strategies relative to the bottom-up model is best to improve the communication between leader and followers and vice versa. The conclusion also support the results that the bottom-up management model aids frontline case managers to have better knowledge and understand of the PPACA’s problems, consumer benefits, and the consumer.
Dedication:
In honor of my parents, Sergio and Gloria Maldonado, who taught me to persevere in the face of any challenges in life and my sister, Gloria, for her unconditional support.
Acknowledgements:
First, I thank God and my parents, for giving me the unconditional love and support to succeed in this journey. Their lifelong teachings to persevere in the face of any challenges in life made this journey a joyful experience. This is a gift of honor to my mother who dreamed of one day having a son as a doctor. The rewards of my journey do not compare to infinite smiles of joy that this gives her. My father, Sergio, his unselfish sacrifices in life to assure that all eight brothers and sisters always had more than life ever gave him; you encouraged me to never have second doubts about my own journey. To my dear sister, Gloria, life seemed unfair because of our own lifestyles, but the struggles and triumphs have made me that much stronger to believe that we can and we will. My extend family, my friends, I thank you for giving me a better quality of life, brotherly love, and support. To my son, Marci, my life was enriched with your presences; you give me every reason to live another day and strive for grandiosity and leave you a legacy. As we say in our Latino community, “Si se puede,” yes you can. My brother, Sergio, I thank you for building a strong foundation in my life; your sacrifices are not forgotten. Alyssa, we love you so dearly that you are an inspiration of joy, and laughter; I thank you from the deepest part of me.
Dr. Kevin Banning, thank you, for your unconditional support and guidance. The constant feedback and validation kept me strong and optimistic that my goals were within reach. My friends and colleagues from the work of employment, I thank you for your unselfish support in spite the adversities. Your countless hours of support and encouragement have helped to create the man that I am today.
As for the support team from the University of Phoenix, thank you for your guidance. I know that I am where I am because of your love for your profession.